Existing comment:
North Platte Canteen
"Let's do something and do it in a hurry. We can help this way when we can't help any other way."
--- Rae Wilson, The Daily Bulletin, North Platte, Nebraska, 18 December 1941
During World War II, as many as 23 troop trains a day made a 10 to 15 minute stop at the North Platte, Nebraska station. Rae Wilson, a 25-year old clerk, came up with the idea of setting up a canteen for the troops at the station. The idea took off, and clubs and organizations from as far away as 200 miles helped serve and contribute. For the next four years, volunteers met every train that passed through, providing candy, magazines, and tobacco, as well as coffee, cakes, and cookies, all free of charge. |